Magic that Binds Us

The Hybrid Part I

Sasha pumped her arms harder than usual today forcing her body to push through the wind as she ran.

The music in her ears was blaring to block everything out.

Andie's dead body.

Stefan's face.

Her unresolved feelings for her best friend...

Sasha just wanted all the confusion and emotions to stop for a second but no matter how loud she ran, no matter how loud the lyrics were, it felt like there was no stopping or escaping any of it.

Sasha's lungs were on fire when she got back to her street.

She passed by Mrs O'leary's house making sure to wave at her through her kitchen window. She had brought her a lasagne the night before and even though Sasha hadn't had the appetite to eat anything, she was grateful.

Sasha walked up to her house and immediately slowed down surprised to see a familiar brunette sitting on her porch steps.

She let out a sigh as she took out her ear buds.

"What are you doing here, Elena?"

Elena stood up and looked Sasha in the eyes with determination.

"I'm here to talk. Friend to friend. We've known each other our whole lives, Sash. And I know how much you care about Stefan. If there's anything we can agree on, it's that he deserves a chance at being saved."

Sasha stiffened at the mention of Stefan's name.

Even when she shut her eyes she could still see Andie's body.

"Look," Elena continued, "I know you and Damon want to keep me out of the loop but I can help, Sasha. I care about him too and -"

"Stefan's gone, Elena." Sasha blurted the words out.

Elena frowned. "Now you sound like Damon."

Sasha sighed. "Trust me, I don't want to but this time, I think he's right."

A flash of hurt crossed Elena's features. "He would never give up on any of us and you know it. Especially you, Sash."

Sasha felt like something was lodged in her throat.

She swallowed hard but it wasn't helping at all.

"Sasha, he called me last night."

Sasha's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"

Elena nodded knowing Sasha's reaction meant she must have cared even a little bit.

"Yes, he called me."

"What did he say?" Sasha asked.

Elena faltered. "Nothing - I... but I know it was him."

Sasha shook her head and she walked past Elena to her house.

"Sasha!" Elena called after her desperately. "You have to believe me."

"I do believe you." Sasha spoke as she opened the door to the house and kicked off her running shoes.

"Then why won't you help?" Elena asked in frustration

"Elena... I saw Stefan yesterday."

Elena froze. "What?" She asked in shock.

Sasha took out the ponytail holder letting her hair loose and ran a hand through her curls.

"He... came to me."

"He came to you?" Elena was silent for a second then she scoffed in disbelief. "I can't believe this." She spoke dropping her hands to her sides.

"You said there was nothing going on between you two." Elena spoke in an accusatory tone.